Police in Western Australia have uncovered a cache of weapons, terrorist flags, and instructions for building explosives during a raid on the home of a Perth man who allegedly expressed support for the Bondi Beach massacre online.
Court hears details of alarming arsenal
Martin Thomas Glynn, a 39-year-old former mine worker from Yangebup, appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Wednesday following the police operation. Officers from the State Security Investigation Group executed a search warrant as part of Operation Dalewood, an initiative launched in the wake of Australia's worst terrorist attack.
During the initial search, authorities allegedly seized six registered rifles, approximately 4000 rounds of ammunition, a flick knife, and three terrorist flags, including those associated with Hezbollah and Hamas. A handwritten notebook containing anti-Semitic references and mentions of Adolf Hitler was also discovered.
Second search reveals bomb-making materials
The investigation intensified after police examined Glynn's mobile phone. Photographs allegedly indicated attempts to manufacture a smoke grenade and access to explosive-making information. This prompted a second search involving the bomb squad.
In this subsequent raid, officers allegedly found pro-Hezbollah stickers, improvised initiators, shaved aluminium, and a handwritten shopping list for bomb components. Police told the court that Glynn had also flown a Palestinian flag outside his home, which reportedly caused concern among neighbours.
Alleged social media posts praised Bondi attackers
Prosecutors informed the court that Glynn took to Instagram just hours after the December 14 Bondi massacre, which claimed 15 lives. In one alleged post, he wrote, "I, Marty Thomas Glynn, 100 per cent support the two New South Wales shooters RIGHT TO SELF DEFENCE AGAINST JEWS."
Further posts seen by the court reportedly questioned the outrage over the Australian deaths while referencing Palestinian casualties in Gaza. "If you think this is an outrage, show me a single day where Jews killed less than 10 Palestinians," one alleged message stated.
Self-represented defendant gives court explanation
Glynn, who represented himself, told Magistrate Benjamin Tyres he was a "doomsday prepper" and that the alleged bomb-making materials were actually fire-starters for his fire pit. He claimed his collection of about 50 flags was packed away in boxes and not on display.
Regarding the notebook and social media posts, Glynn said he had been "opinionated" about the war in Gaza and was "hoping to raise the hypocrisy." He stated, "When 15 people die in Australia it's a massacre, but when 500 people die in Palestine it's a ceasefire." He insisted he had no intention to harm anyone.
Bail refused amid community safety concerns
Magistrate Tyres refused bail, describing Glynn as a "danger to the community" and noting a strong prosecution case largely based on his online activity. "There is nothing illegal or necessarily improper with supporting the Palestinian cause, one is entitled to that view," the Magistrate said. "What is not proper, is posting online comments supporting a massacre of innocent civilians."
The court expressed particular concern over the firearms, ammunition, and photographs of high-powered weapons. Glynn was charged with conduct intended to racially harass, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon, and failing to store a firearm correctly. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on February 3 for legal advice.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he had been briefed on the arrest, thanking WA Police for their swift action. "There is no place in Australia for anti-Semitism, hate and violent ideologies," the Prime Minister said.
